Saturday, May 6, 2017

Classics: A Review of The Promise By Lauren Ennis

In the wake of tragedy we are consistently reminded of
the importance of remembering and learning from traumatic events. Yet, all too
often, the greatest tragedies and atrocities in history are ignored or
forgotten as time passes. Such is the case of one of the most horrifying events
of the twentieth century; the Armenian Genocide. The genocide lasted from 1915
to 1917 and ultimately claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and other
Christian minorities within the Ottoman Empire, who were systematically rounded
up, imprisoned and executed by the Ottoman government. While this tragedy later
provided the blueprint for Hitler’s Final Solution, the genocide has received
remarkably little attention from popular media. Although a select few films
chronicling the genocide have been released in Europe, Hollywood is only now
releasing its first production focusing upon the Armenian Genocide; The Promise. The film relates the events
of 1915 to 1917 through the eyes of a group of friends living in Constantinople
(now Istanbul) at the eve of World War I. Over the course of the film, each of
the central characters is drawn into the events of the genocide with
devastating consequences. Despite its difficult subject matter, The Promise is at its heart a testament
to the resilience of both individuals and a nation, even in the face of the
most unspeakable adversity.

The stuff that inspiring tales are made of

The story begins in the Armenian village of Cirun as
aspiring physician Mikael (Oscar Isaac) reluctantly agrees to an arranged
marriage at the urging of his parents. Using the dowry money from his
engagement, he travels to Constantinople in hopes of earning his medical
degree. He is dazzled by the Ottoman capital and the modern life he enjoys
there, even as political tensions between Armenians and Turks continue to rise.
Conflict enters the tale when he meets and is instantly smitten with his
cousins’ beautiful governess, Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), who is already involved
with talented and passionate, but alcoholic, American reporter, Chris
(Christian Bale). Just as the romantic triangle reaches its boiling point,
however, World War I breaks out with the genocide following less than a year
later. Over the course of the film, each of the characters is faced with impossible
decisions and unspeakable horror at every turn as they struggle to survive in a
world that is crashing down all around them. In spite of its innumerable
tragedies, however, the plot contains triumphs of the human spirit as the central
characters fight for justice and freedom without compromising their integrity
or humanity.

While it is shocking that Hollywood is only now
approaching this subject over one hundred years after the Armenian Genocide, The Promise, is a more than successful first
effort. Praised by historians for its accuracy, the film chronicles the
progression of the genocide with unflinching honesty. Rather than portraying
the characters as possessing unrealistic foresight, which would be more befitting
of a modern viewer reflecting on history, the film instead remains within
historical context by highlighting the ways in which ordinary people all too
often ignore or fail to recognize the warning signs surrounding them. The film
also relates how the Ottoman Empire concealed its atrocities under the guise of
‘war-time evacuation’, and the ways in which the outside world chose to ignore
blatant red flags surrounding the fictitious evacuation. While some critics
have criticized the film’s focus upon its fictional characters, I found that by
relating the events from the characters’ perspectives the film infused its
story with poignancy and humanized the historical events it portrayed.
Regardless of whether or not Mikael, Ana, or Chris actually existed, their
inclusion in the plot reminds viewers of the real people whose relationships,
country, and lives were upended and destroyed. This personalized approach
allows audiences to gain insight into the individual tragedies and triumphs
experienced by the Armenian people and enables the story to resonate on a
personal as well as political or historical level. Thus, the film captures the emotion
and sweep of the greatest historical epics while still remaining true to
history.

Some of the best reporting this side of Woodward and Bernstein

The stellar cast bring the events of the Armenian
Genocide to life with a depth, intelligence, and emotion that ensures that the
historical events will resonate with modern audiences. Oscar Isaac infuses
Mikael with an idealism, earnestness, and resilience that calls to mind Omar
Sharif’s performance in the classic epic Doctor
Zhivago. Christian Bale brings a depth and nuance to his role as the
courageous, but flawed, Chris that captures both his character’s heroic passion
and inner demons. Charlotte Le Bron’s Ana is an alluring combination of elegant
charm, warmth, and steely grit, making her a truly endearing heroine. The
supporting cast lend apt support with Marwan Kenzari and Shohreh Aghdashloo
earning particular note in their roles as Mikael’s conflicted Turkish friend,
Emre, and Mikael’s overbearing but well-intentioned mother, Marta.

Following in the tradition of such acclaimed
historical dramas as Hotel Rwanda and
Schindler’sList, The Promise
highlights what is one of modern history’s most devastating and forgotten
events. The film portrays the events of the genocide in a way that highlights
the horror of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire, while still
paying homage to the resilience and courage of the Armenian people and those
who aided them. Through its well written script and superb performances the
film relates its tragic tale with an accuracy and humanity that earn it a place
amongst Hollywood’s best epics. In a world in which atrocities and human rights
violations are still committed each day, this film serves as both a call to
remembrance and a dire warning for the present.